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Native to the mountains of China and Japan, flowering quinces (Chaenomeles spp.) are grown mostly for their delicate flowers. There are many cultivars and species of the Chaenomeles genus that call themselves flowering quinces. The final size of the plant, its flower color and growing location all depend on the cultivar. If you know the variety of flowering quince you planted, you can estimate its mature height and breadth.

Flowering Quince

Flowering quince shrubs are known for their delicate flowers that appear early in the spring. These flowers have five petals and a cup shape, regardless of the cultivar being grown. Later in the year, even varieties grown only for the flowers produce fruit. Some claim that the fruits, which look like apples, are too bitter to eat; they must be cooked first to make them edible.

Chaenomeles speciosa

Chaenomeles speciosa is one of the shrubs referred to as flowering quince. This species grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. When fully grown, this type of flowering quince can be anywhere between 6 and 10 feet tall and wide. Flowers on this variety may be white, pink or red.

Chaenomeles japonica

Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese flowering quince) is a type of shrub that can be grown in slightly warmer regions than C. speciosa. It can be planted in USDA zones 5 through 9. Its bright red flowers appear in the early spring, and it has a wide, spreading growth pattern. The final height of this shrub usually is only 3 feet. Some cultivars of C. japonica grow taller. The "Toyo Nishiki" flowering quince, which grows in USDA zones 5 through 9, may reach up to 8 feet tall and spread to 6 to 8 feet wide. Other types of C. japonica that reach the average 3-foot height spread up to 5 feet wide when fully grown.

Hybrids

Hybrid varieties of flowering quince combine C. japonica with C. speciosa to create new varieties. These hybrids share characteristics of both parents. For instance, "Jet Trail" and "Low and White" both grow in the same USDA zones as C. speciosa -- zones 4 through 8. These cultivars both have a maximum height and spread of 4 feet. "Texas Scarlet" grows in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can be up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide.